Surgical instruments for performing tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, and other surgical procedures

Abstract

A surgical instrument includes a housing having a rounded barrel with a distal end and proximal end configured to seat within a palm of a user. A shaft extends from the distal end of the barrel and supports an end effector at a distal end thereof including first and second jaw members. A rotating assembly is disposed on the barrel and is actuatable to rotate the jaw members. A jaw actuation assembly is disposed on the barrel and is actuatable to move the jaw members between open and closed positions. An energy activation assembly is disposed on the barrel and is actuatable to supply electrosurgical energy to the jaw members. A knife actuation assembly is disposed on the barrel and is actuatable to cut tissue disposed between the jaw members.

Description

BACKGROUNDTechnical Field[0001]The present disclosure relates to surgical instruments and, more particularly, to surgical instruments for performing tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, and other surgical procedures.Background of Related Art[0002]The tonsils and adenoids are part of the lymphatic system and are generally located in the back of the throat. These parts of the lymphatic system are generally used for sampling bacteria and viruses entering the body and activating the immune system when warranted to produce antibodies to fight oncoming infections. More particularly, the tonsils and adenoids break down the bacteria or virus and send pieces of the bacteria or virus to the immune system to produce antibodies for fighting off infections.[0003]Inflammation of the tonsils and adenoids (e.g., tonsillitis) impedes the ability of the tonsils and adenoids to destroy the bacteria resulting in a bacterial infection. In many instances, the bacteria remain even after treatment and serve as a ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present patent describes a surgical instrument with a rounded barrel portion and a shaft that supports an end effector assembly. The instrument has a rotating assembly, jaw actuation assembly, energy activation assembly, and knife actuation assembly. The rotating assembly can rotate the jaw members about the shaft, the jaw actuation assembly can move the jaw members between an open and closed position, and the energy activation assembly can supply electrosurgical energy to the jaw members. The knife actuation assembly can cut tissue between the jaw members. The instrument has a solenoid, dial, depressible button, or potentiometer to facilitate its actuation. The technical effects of the patent include improved tissue manipulation, efficient energy utilization, and safe and effective tissue sealing.

Problems solved by technology

Inflammation of the tonsils and adenoids (e.g., tonsillitis) impedes the ability of the tonsils and adenoids to destroy the bacteria resulting in a bacterial infection.

Images